Ella Fitzgerald Ten Cents a Dance lyrics

I work at the palace ballroom, but gee that palace is cheap
When I get back to my chilly hallroom
I'm much too tired to sleep
I'm one of those lady teachers, a beautiful hostess you know

One that the palace features at exactly a dime a throw
Ten cents a dance, that's what they pay me
Gosh how they weigh me down
Ten cents a dance, pansies and rough guys

Tough guys who tear my gown
Seven to midnight I hear drums
Loudly the saxophone blows
Trumpets are tearing my ear-drums, customers crush my toes

Sometimes I think, I've found my hero
But it's a queer romance
All that you need is a ticket
Come on big boy, ten cents a dance


Fighters and sailors and bow-legged tailors
Can pay for their tickets and rent me
Butchers and barbers and rats from the harbor
Are sweethearts my good luck has sent me

Thought I've a chorus of elderly bows
Stockings are porous with holes at the toes
I'm here till closing time
Dance and be merry it's only a dime

Sometimes I think, I've found my hero
But it's a queer romance
All that you need is a ticket
Come on, come on big boy, ten cents a dance